This is delightful, Chrissy! I first encountered The Artist's Way about 25 years ago and Morning Pages have stuck with me, or rather, I've kept with it. I've read and worked through several other Cameron books since then, but the original has been the transformative process. I'm so glad you have found "the Way"!
You know... This newsletter was like a Call today. I went to my shelf, picked up The Artist's Way, and started reading. I've had the book for years. I go through short phases of doing morning pages and artists' dates. I've done a lot of the exercises from a different Cameron book. But I've never actually done this program. And I think it's time.
Yes, it does! Though I'm not sure why. I think it's that the year is pressing down on me and making me think there must be another way. Not as much energy for it as in Jan, but more need.
I feel like this time of year is an ideal moment to dive in. The holidays are so busy, but it gives you a moment to pause and focus. Plus I love the idea of TAW being a bridge from one year to the next!
I have avoided this book for decades. Literally. I remember people talking about when I was in my late teens/early 20s and I feel like I see it in charity shops on a fairly regular basis. I think I should get it and then I read the blurb and it pushes me away. And then I read a review or post like this and think maybe I should try it and then I read more and am pushed away! The two things everyone seems to take away from it are morning pages and artist dates both of which I sporadically do, though I am more into evening pages. Currently trying to push myself to do morning pages instead, or possibly as well. On Day 2 and I'm on my phone before doing them - oops!
It's the spirituality that puts me off. I am all for building healthy creative practices and getting rid of unhealthy ones. Reading your notes, there is literally no way I would I give up reading for a week. That would be absolutely hell. But I love your tweak. That I could go for.
Anyway, I imagine one day I will do it and kick myself for how long I turned away from it!
There's a lot that doesn't apply to me. But the Morning Pages truly have been transformative - I feel much more focused and creative, because I'm taking the time to sit with my thoughts, a rare treat! I think it's worth trying, but also to keep your expectations in check. People, even me, talk about this book like it will turn your life upside down. It's a tool to help you dig as deeper, nothing more, nothing less!
I have started it a few times over the years, but always just stop…been wanting to push through and start again. I’ve been feeling a bit all over the place creatively and professionally, so maybe going doing so will help clarify things. Thanks for sharing!
It will definitely help you focus and get you thinking about things in a new way. It has felt like a really great time for me to try it. Even the parts that I think don't apply to me are clicking surprisingly well!
Congrats! I did The Artist's Way earlier this year and it has been life-changing! Completed in June and I'm still going strong on the morning pages and am so grateful for the creative energy.
I too have been dodging this book, but finally ordered myself a copy and plan on starting my journey in the new year! I enjoyed reading your insights and getting a peek at your doodles. Excited to see what else the experience unlocks for you!
Late to reading this edition of the newsletter, but I'm so happy that it's been working out so well for you. As you know, TAW was really meaningful for me as well, even if I never quite got over finding Julia's voice somewhat grating at certain moments (often right before she'd write a sentence like "Even if you feel resistant to this..." which was kind of perfect and hilarious). I've been getting back into doing morning pages at least some mornings recently, and I'd like to return to making it a daily thing because that was by far the most fruitful and wonderful part of the whole experience. Can't wait to hear more about how you find it as you progress!
You're always perfectly on time, friend! I also find Julia's voice grating sometimes, and I skip a lot of the exercises, and I find ways to relate the unrelatable to my life and experiences - but overall, I love Morning Pages and the structure it's given me! I feel like this was the uniquely right time in my life to try TAW (mostly because I'm not working on anything at the moment) and it feels really good to dive in right now.
I’m at the same spot in the program as you, Chrissy! I’m finding it a bit comical how terrified I am to put a pause on my reading habit for week 5, when you’re supposed to give up elective reading for a week (I guess the thought being, “create don’t consume”). It will be interesting!
I actually tweaked reading deprivation challenge, since reading for pleasure is not a problem for me - I wish I did more of it! Instead, I'm treating it as a phone deprivation week. I'm also minimizing other "inputs" - TV, reading newsletters, listening to the radio on my way to work. I think this suits my habits better while honoring the spirit of the challenge!
I think the author does a pretty good job making it clear that how you interpret "god" is up to you. I'm an atheist and I've managed to find a lot of value in it. But it's definitely not for everyone.
This is delightful, Chrissy! I first encountered The Artist's Way about 25 years ago and Morning Pages have stuck with me, or rather, I've kept with it. I've read and worked through several other Cameron books since then, but the original has been the transformative process. I'm so glad you have found "the Way"!
You know... This newsletter was like a Call today. I went to my shelf, picked up The Artist's Way, and started reading. I've had the book for years. I go through short phases of doing morning pages and artists' dates. I've done a lot of the exercises from a different Cameron book. But I've never actually done this program. And I think it's time.
Do it and report back! As I wrote to someone else on this thread, this feels like the perfect time of year to try it out.
Yes, it does! Though I'm not sure why. I think it's that the year is pressing down on me and making me think there must be another way. Not as much energy for it as in Jan, but more need.
It's been a life-changing book and process for me ... twice in fact! I have written two books while working her program. One was pretty good too!
One out of two is pretty great!!!
I bought The Artists Way about a year ago and it’s been sat on my self, watching me since then. This might be the push I needed to finally start!
I feel like this time of year is an ideal moment to dive in. The holidays are so busy, but it gives you a moment to pause and focus. Plus I love the idea of TAW being a bridge from one year to the next!
I have avoided this book for decades. Literally. I remember people talking about when I was in my late teens/early 20s and I feel like I see it in charity shops on a fairly regular basis. I think I should get it and then I read the blurb and it pushes me away. And then I read a review or post like this and think maybe I should try it and then I read more and am pushed away! The two things everyone seems to take away from it are morning pages and artist dates both of which I sporadically do, though I am more into evening pages. Currently trying to push myself to do morning pages instead, or possibly as well. On Day 2 and I'm on my phone before doing them - oops!
It's the spirituality that puts me off. I am all for building healthy creative practices and getting rid of unhealthy ones. Reading your notes, there is literally no way I would I give up reading for a week. That would be absolutely hell. But I love your tweak. That I could go for.
Anyway, I imagine one day I will do it and kick myself for how long I turned away from it!
There's a lot that doesn't apply to me. But the Morning Pages truly have been transformative - I feel much more focused and creative, because I'm taking the time to sit with my thoughts, a rare treat! I think it's worth trying, but also to keep your expectations in check. People, even me, talk about this book like it will turn your life upside down. It's a tool to help you dig as deeper, nothing more, nothing less!
I have started it a few times over the years, but always just stop…been wanting to push through and start again. I’ve been feeling a bit all over the place creatively and professionally, so maybe going doing so will help clarify things. Thanks for sharing!
It will definitely help you focus and get you thinking about things in a new way. It has felt like a really great time for me to try it. Even the parts that I think don't apply to me are clicking surprisingly well!
Love this!! I recently found a copy of TAW… diving in! Love journaling.
Congrats! I did The Artist's Way earlier this year and it has been life-changing! Completed in June and I'm still going strong on the morning pages and am so grateful for the creative energy.
I think morning pages will definitely become a regular habit!
Love your morning pages comic!
Thank you so much!!!
Ah, welcome! I just wrote a post about my experience with The Artist’s Way! I’m glad you’re enjoying it too 😁
I too have been dodging this book, but finally ordered myself a copy and plan on starting my journey in the new year! I enjoyed reading your insights and getting a peek at your doodles. Excited to see what else the experience unlocks for you!
Late to reading this edition of the newsletter, but I'm so happy that it's been working out so well for you. As you know, TAW was really meaningful for me as well, even if I never quite got over finding Julia's voice somewhat grating at certain moments (often right before she'd write a sentence like "Even if you feel resistant to this..." which was kind of perfect and hilarious). I've been getting back into doing morning pages at least some mornings recently, and I'd like to return to making it a daily thing because that was by far the most fruitful and wonderful part of the whole experience. Can't wait to hear more about how you find it as you progress!
You're always perfectly on time, friend! I also find Julia's voice grating sometimes, and I skip a lot of the exercises, and I find ways to relate the unrelatable to my life and experiences - but overall, I love Morning Pages and the structure it's given me! I feel like this was the uniquely right time in my life to try TAW (mostly because I'm not working on anything at the moment) and it feels really good to dive in right now.
Welcome to the cult! (Kidding. Kind of.)
I love a good cult!
I’m at the same spot in the program as you, Chrissy! I’m finding it a bit comical how terrified I am to put a pause on my reading habit for week 5, when you’re supposed to give up elective reading for a week (I guess the thought being, “create don’t consume”). It will be interesting!
I actually tweaked reading deprivation challenge, since reading for pleasure is not a problem for me - I wish I did more of it! Instead, I'm treating it as a phone deprivation week. I'm also minimizing other "inputs" - TV, reading newsletters, listening to the radio on my way to work. I think this suits my habits better while honoring the spirit of the challenge!
Yeah… I don’t know… I bought this not knowing it was specifically for Christians, and so will have to pass, but whatever calls to you, eh?
I think the author does a pretty good job making it clear that how you interpret "god" is up to you. I'm an atheist and I've managed to find a lot of value in it. But it's definitely not for everyone.